Texas had that Immigration policy takes center stage its legislative agenda for 2025. During the 89th regular legislative session, which met between January and June, Gov Greg Abbott has signed various laws which strengthened border control, expanded and established cooperation with the federal government new restrictions related to foreigners viewed as hostile.
The laws signed by Abbott in 2025 ranged from direct involvement of local authorities in federal immigration tasks until Creation of new state security structures and the imposition of Restrictions on non-citizens of countries designated as adversaries.
According to official statements from the governor’s office and Texas legislative records, Five standards bundled the core of this legal offensive. Staggered terms apply for each entry into force, with phased implementation beginning in September 2025 and January 2026.
SB 8: Duties for local sheriffs and direct cooperation with ICE
SB 8 became one of the central elements of the new immigration system. The norm requires county sheriffs to run jailseither directly or via private providers Request formal agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
These agreements, known as 287(g) Agreementsapprove the local personnel to enforce federal immigration laws in detention processes.
The project, sponsored by legislators Schwertner and Huffman, was signed by Abbott on June 20, 2025 set its entry into force on January 1, 2026.
In addition to the administrative obligation, the law contained, among other things: Grant program to cover the operating costs resulting from this collaboration.
The governor said this during the signing ceremony in Fort Worth The aim of the legislation is to “make the state safer”as he expressed to more than 550 sheriffs, state and local officials.
SB 36: a new homeland security department in Texas
Another important rule was SB 36, which established the Homeland Security Division within the Department of Public Safety of Texas (DPS). This new structure is looking Coordinate efforts across multiple agencies and jurisdictions on border security, which also includes threats related to migration.
The law was also signed on June 20, 2025 came into force on September 1st of the same year. The text of the bill called for the consolidation of the Border Security Operations Center and the Joint Operations and Intelligence Centers under the same department to expand the state’s scope for action.
Abbott claimed this This reorganization strengthens Texas’ ability to respond to foreign risks. and transnational crime.
SB 17: Restrictions on land purchases for citizens of enemy countries
SB 17 introduced direct restrictions on the acquisition of real estate on the part Citizens and organizations with ties to countries considered hostileas China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. The bill, introduced by Senator Lois Kolkhorst along with other lawmakers, would impose criminal offenses and civil penalties for those who violate these bans.
Abbott signed the law on June 20, 2025 and came into force on September 1st. The governor said this during the ceremony in Austin “Foreign adversaries should not be allowed to own land in Texas or exploit the border.”said the official statement from his office.
HB 128: Restrictions on “sister city” agreements
HB 128 addressed another front linked to foreign influence. This law regulated “sister city” agreements between Texas government entities and foreign communities or countries. The text the conclusion of these agreements with states classified as opponents is expressly prohibitedwhile promoting cooperation with U.S. allies.
The project, presented by representatives Angelia Orr and Cole Hefner, was signed by Abbott on June 20, 2025 came into effect on September 1st.
According to official information from the state government, the standard applies Mitigate security risks that include immigration aspects and foreign political penetration at local level.
SB 1349: Crimes arising from transnational repression and police training
The SB 1349 new criminal offenses related to “cross-border repression” were created and the unauthorized application of foreign laws in Texas. The project also required Specific studies and training programs for law enforcementwith the aim of detecting and combating these types of threats.
Signed on May 24, 2025, The standard sets its validity on September 1st. According to the governor’s office The initiative responded to concerns about the actions of foreign agents in the immigration context and by the presence of transnational criminal organizations.
Abbott emphasized that they will apply “severe criminal sanctions” for those who violate these provisionssays the official statement of the promulgation law.
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